Miami Dolphins coach Joe Philbin said the decision to start Lamar Miller over Daniel Thomas in Sunday’s season opener was “the starting point, really,” and that both backs had a strong preseason.

“I think they’ve improved, both of them, and we definitely need those guys to perform well for us,” Philbin added. “I think [Miller] played well. I think he caught the ball well, ran the ball well. I thought Daniel did as well. It’s very, very close.”

Not sure, they both had good games during the PS. Seems split if you look at stats as well, games Thomas did well Miller did not, and visa versa.

I dont expect anything from Thomas myself, he will probably start his annual injury nursing by week 5...

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Wed Sep 04, 2013 7:34 am

AQNOR

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Re: Phins to start Miller over Thomas was ‘very, very close'

Ski_Money wrote:

very close? who the hell is evaluating RBs there?

That looked to be a quote from head coach Philbin.

Wed Sep 04, 2013 7:43 am

shularino

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Re: Phins to start Miller over Thomas was ‘very, very close'

I agree both RB's have played well. Miller certainly deserves the top spot, but don't criticize Philbin for stating it's very close.........it's a message to Miller to keep improving and don't screw up......other options still exist.

Wed Sep 04, 2013 7:58 am

Rich

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Re: Phins to start Miller over Thomas was ‘very, very close'

Miller averaged 4.6 ypc, Thomas 2.7.

It wasn't close.

So Thomas had better receiving numbers and is better at picking up the blitz, then he should be our third down back...

Miller should be the workhorse.

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Wed Sep 04, 2013 8:03 am

NFLJunkie

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Re: Phins to start Miller over Thomas was ‘very, very close'

Thomas is a grinder. Miller is a threat to go the distance every time he touches the ball. In a nutshell, that is why he is in there. Miller - Thomas will make a nice 1-2 punch but rather than a 3rd down back, I'd like to see Thomas in the game simply to give Miller a rest. If Miller catches a swing pass against a LB, its a 20yd gain minimum.

Wed Sep 04, 2013 9:32 am

jammer

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Re: Phins to start Miller over Thomas was ‘very, very close'

Rich wrote:

Miller averaged 4.6 ypc, Thomas 2.7.

It wasn't close.

So Thomas had better receiving numbers and is better at picking up the blitz, then he should be our third down back...

Miller should be the workhorse.

I think it is the blocking and receiving skills that made it close. If they are going to throw the ball a lot more then you need a back who can protect Tannehill.

I remember reading someone's observations who noted that Tannehill both performs better and looks more confident when Thomas is in there.

Wed Sep 04, 2013 9:38 am

NFLJunkie

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Re: Phins to start Miller over Thomas was ‘very, very close'

The best way to protect Tannehill is a couple of nice short passes to Miller on some quick hitters and screens. Once he burns the defense, RT won't be seeing too many blitzing LBs and safeties. Put the fear of the big play in the DCs mind and the game is over.

Wed Sep 04, 2013 9:42 am

NFLJunkie

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Re: Phins to start Miller over Thomas was ‘very, very close'

http://espn.go.com/nfl/picks/_/week/1/seasontype/2 Didn't I read a AFC East Preview where they said don't believe the Dolphins Hype? I asked then and I'll ask now...what hype? Most of the guys "in the know" don't even have the Dolphins beating lowly Cleveland.

Wed Sep 04, 2013 9:49 am

Big Dave

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Re: Phins to start Miller over Thomas was ‘very, very close'

Rich wrote:

Miller averaged 4.6 ypc, Thomas 2.7.

It wasn't close.

So, who's weak-minded to believe these Jedi mind-tricks? I wish every Dolphins coach would stop treating us like idiots. This is the age of the internet. We see every play over and over, and see the stats to back them up.

The best way to protect Tannehill is a couple of nice short passes to Miller on some quick hitters and screens. Once he burns the defense, RT won't be seeing too many blitzing LBs and safeties. Put the fear of the big play in the DCs mind and the game is over.

I remember Miller dropping a big 3rd down pass versus either TB or Houston. Makes me kind of nervous about his consistency.

That said, I agree that Miller should be starting and getting the bulk of the carries.

Wed Sep 04, 2013 10:00 am

AQNOR

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Re: Phins to start Miller over Thomas was ‘very, very close'

Quote:

Offensive coordinator Mike Sherman said it’s vital for the Dolphins to be able to run the ball in the red zone (the area inside the opponents’ 20-yard line).

“We have to be able to run the ball better in the red zone because people really defend the pass pretty well,” Sherman said. “There’s just so many defenders up there in the short areas. They just make it impossible to throw some times.”

Sherman, who would likely rely largely on running back Daniel Thomas instead of Lamar Miller close to the goalline, also said he needs to do a better job calling plays.

“A couple of games ago I thought it could have been a better job calling some runs down there,” he said.

All purpose yards, Thomas had a better pre season if we are just looking at the final stats...

Its not as black n white as we think, coaches look at everything. Thomas made a case for himself..

A shame tho really, as I said before I expect he will be hurt soon...

You conspicuously missed the fumble numbers

Fri Sep 06, 2013 5:05 am

Steve Zissou

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Re: Phins to start Miller over Thomas was ‘very, very close'

“I think they’ve improved, both of them, and we definitely need those guys to perform well for us,” Philbin added. “I think [Miller] played well. I think he caught the ball well, ran the ball well. I thought Daniel did as well. It’s very, very close. UNTILLLL Miller broke off that 40 yard TD against the Browns today”